Proton-Beam Induced Modifications in the Structural and Optical Properties of YSZ

摘要

Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is a well-known solid ionic conductor used in oxygen sensors and solid oxide fuel cell. Its high ion conductivity at high temperatures is rooted in the oxygen vacancies originally present in the crystal. YSZ is also a promising refractory material suitable as a host for actinide transmutation. The ion irradiation effects of fully stabilized YSZ have been extensively investigated and the results show that YSZ exhibits exceptional damage resistance to the neutron and heavy ions. YSZ does not undergo amorphization under the irradiation of heavy ions as well as electrons and neutrons. Its amorphization was observed only under the Cs ion beams so far.